A VERWOOD father and son team have been chosen to star in a national advertising campaign for the British Heart Foundation.

Richard and Alfie Elgar can be heard sharing their emotional story on the radio advert calling on the people of Dorset to support the Great British Bagathon to stock the charity’s many high street shops.

listen to ‘Bournemouth Daily Echo talk about British Heart Foundation advert’ on Audioboom

The aim is to collect one million bags of unwanted items in one month. Richard suffered a heart attack six years ago when he was just 36.

He was working on a building site at the time and had to leave in an ambulance in front of his shocked fellow workers.

While he was in hospital he found out that his uncle had died of the same thing ten years earlier.

Richard underwent an angioplasty and has now improved his diet, exercise and has given up smoking.

listen to ‘Bournemouth Daily Echo talk about Richard and Alfie's story’ on Audioboom

He lives in Owls Road with his wife Helen, Alfie, now eight, and his younger brother Charlie.

Alfie recently completed a 41.5 mile sponsored bike ride for the BHF.

Despite falling off his bike twice through tiredness he insisted on getting back on and continuing. He wants to be a heart surgeon when he grows up so he “can fix daddy”.

Richard said: “We we’re thrilled to be chosen to take part in the radio advertising campaign. The BHF is a cause close to our hearts and I hope that by sharing my story others will be motivated to support the Great British Bagathon.

“Joining in couldn’t be easier; just have a clear out of your unwanted items, from clothes and handbags to DVDs and toys, and donate them to your local BHF shop.”

Debbie Cheeseman, area manager for Dorset BHF shops, said: “Richard’s story is a reminder that heart disease can affect anyone, young, old, male or female.

“We’re hoping that the Dorset community will be inspired to get involved in this year’s Great British Bagathon after hearing Richard’s story.”

For more information visit bhf.org.uk/bagathon